Need help paying for college?

Need help paying for college? More than $80 million is awarded each year through the Office of Student Access and Completion 

Contact: Endi Hartigan, Communications and Policy Specialist | endi.hartigan@state.or.us | 971-701-4032
Source: Bob Brew, Executive Director, Office of Student Access and Completion | bob.k.brew@state.or.us | 541-687-7400

December  2, 2015

EUGENE, Ore. – The Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC), encourages students statewide to apply for grants and scholarships on their website now through March 1.

OSAC awards more than $80 million each year in grants and privately funded scholarships to help students meet their college expenses. More than 500 privately funded scholarship opportunities are available to Oregon students with a wide range of interests and needs.

Students should apply online at OregonStudentAid.gov and complete the OSAC scholarship application by March 1 at 5 p.m. Students may apply for multiple scholarships with one application and there is no cost to apply.

Scholarship funds are available for graduating high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students, GED and homeschooled students, community college and vocational school students, single parents returning to school and more.

Students who submit their applications by February 15 may be eligible to win a $1,000 OSAC Early Bird scholarship. Students are also strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon State Aid Application (ORSAA) as soon as possible beginning January 1. Information from the FAFSA or the ORSAA is used to determine eligibility for some scholarships, the Oregon Promise and the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Information from the FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for federal aid, such as the Pell Grant.

To take advantage of scholarship and other opportunities, visit OregonStudentAid.gov to begin an application or learn more about available grants, scholarships and financial aid for college.

OSAC is committed to expanding opportunities to Oregonians to complete their higher education and career training goals through information, mentoring and financial aid. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission is dedicated to fostering and sustaining the best, most rewarding pathways to opportunity and success for all Oregonians through an accessible, affordable and coordinated network for educational achievement beyond high school. For more information, go to www.Oregon.gov/HigherEd.